Glossary

The only abbreviations are n. for noun, v. for verb, adj. for adjective, adv. for adverb, pres., for present, and opp. for opposite.

abruptly: suddenly.

absent-minded: not thinking of what one is doing.

absolute: complete.

absurdity: a foolish, unreasonable thing, (absurd, adj.)

absurdly: foolishly; unreasonably; in a manner causing people to laugh.

accompany: go with.

accomplish: complete; finish.

accursed: under a curse; hateful.

adapted: fitted.

adorned: made beautiful; ornamented.

adventurous: eager for adventure.

air-tight: keeping air in (or out).

alert: watchful.

alum: a hard, bitter salt which hardens and draws together the skin.

amazed: surprised greatly.

amazement: wonder.

amazing: very wonderful.

amidst: among.

anchor: an instrument let down to the bottom of the sea to prevent a ship from moving, (lying at anchor: fixed with an anchor.)

ankle: a joint that connects the foot and the leg.

ant-hill: a hill-like nest of ants.

apparatus: instruments, especially those used by doctors and scientists.

apparent: seeming, (apparently: as it seems.)

appetite: desire for food.

approach: v., n.: 1. come near to. 2. act of coming near.

area: 1. level space. 2. length x breadth.

arctic: n., adj.: the very cold part in the far north.

aristocracy: the lords and people of highest rank.

armful: as much as can be carried in the arms.

arrested my attention: caught my attention.

ascend: go up. (ascent, n.)

ass: donkey; an animal thought to be foolish.

assist: help, (assistance, n.)

assistant: helper.

assume (a name): give oneself (a name).

assurance: confidence.

astronomer: one who studies the stars, (astronomy, n.)

asunder: into pieces, apart.

at hand: near by.

at its height: at its highest degree.

atmosphere: the air round the earth.

attain one's end: reach one's aim.

attraction: pulling towards, causing to come nearer.

aware: 1. conscious. 2. knowing, (opp. unaware.)

awe-stricken: full of respect and fear.

bacon: salted meat from the back and sides of a pig.

band: a long narrow line of colour different from that round it.

bang: loud noise caused by an explosion, or by a heavy blow.

bare facts: just the facts and nothing more.

barely reach: just reach.

bathing-beach: part of the sea shore where people bathe.

bathing-costume: dress which people wear when bathing.

beastly: unpleasant.

bee hive: a place where bees live and store up honey.

beetle: an insect with a hard skin.

behold: take notice.

bellowing: a loud deep roar, (to bellow, v.; a bellow, n.)

bench: working-table.

better off: richer.

beyond our understanding: something we cannot understand

bladder: bag of skin or leather used to contain liquid or air.

blank: empty.

blanket: a thick woollen cloth used as a bed-covering.

blaze: bright sunlight.

blazer: a woollen coat, usually of bright colour, worn at games.

bleeding: losing blood, (bled, past tense.)

blind n.: a cloth pulled down from a roller to cover a window.

blood-vessel: a pipe in the body which carries the blood.

bluish: slightly blue.

boiling (My blood was boiling): I was very angry.

bolted: fastened together with bolts.

bonds: chains.

bore v.: to tire a person by talking to him in an uninteresting way.

brainless: having no brain.

brake: a band pressing upon a wheel which lessens or stops movement.

bray: the noise made by a donkey, (n. and v.)

breast: the chest.

breast pocket: the coat pocket next to one's breast.

breeze: a light wind.

brilliance: brightness.

brilliant: 1. very bright. 2. very clever.

bring about: cause to happen.

bristling: having many sharp points.

broadened: became broader, wider.

broader features: the most noticeable parts.

broad truths: main truths or facts.

broken English: imperfect English.

brow: forehead, the front part of the head above the eyes.

bruise: coloured place on the skin caused by a blow.

bruised: having bruises.

brushed aside: did not treat seriously.

bubbled: formed bubbles, i.e., easily broken balls with air inside.

bubbling up: rising like bubbles.

bud: a young flower before it opens.

bulging: swelling outwards.

bullet: a shot.

bumping: knocking.

bungalow: a lightly-built house consisting of one storey.

butcher: one who kills animals for food; one who sells meat.

cactus: a plant with thick leaves having on them many needle-like thorns.

call n.: a visit.

called upon: visited.

came to myself: became well again after fainting.

canoe: a light boat moved by a paddle ( = stick with a broad flat end).

capable of: able to.

captor: one who seizes a prisoner.

carbonic acid: the gas we give out when breathing.

cavern: a large cave.

cease: stop.

cell: a small room, e.g., in a prison.

cellar: a room below the ground in a house.

centigrade: the French way of measuring heat by means of 100 degrees.

champagne: a sparkling, bubbling wine.

chances v.: happens.

channel: a course in which water runs.

chapter: one of the parts into which a book is divided.

chased: ran after, tried to catch.

chemist: one skilled in chemistry ( = the science which deals with the various forms of matter, and their action when mixed); a dealer in medical drugs.

chronometer: a watch made to keep very exact time.

cigar: a short thick roll of tobacco leaves, (tobacco = a plant used for smoking.)

clanging: ringing.

clasp n.: a metal instrument for fastening things.

click n., v.: 1. a sudden slight noise. 2. to make such a noise.

climate: the weather conditions of a country.

climbing irons: iron hooks used for climbing.

clinging: holding tightly to.

closed about us: surrounded us.

close-fitting: very tight

club: a heavy stick.

club-shaped: shaped like a club.

clumsy: rough and ungraceful in movement, (clumsily, adv.)

clutching at: seizing.

cockney: a native of London who speaks English in a peculiar way.

coil n.: one of the rings into which a rope or chain is gathered.

collapse: to fall down; to lose strength suddenly,

collided: ran into, (collision, n.)

colonization: taking possession of, and settling in, a new country.

committed suicide: killed himself.

communicate together: are connected together.

communicate with: speak with.

communication: 1. connection, intercourse. 2. a message. 3. a means of travelling.

compelled: forced.

concentrate: bring together to one point.

concentrated food: food whose strength has been increased by boiling it down.

concentration: giving one's whole mind and attention.

condenser: a machine which changes gas into liquid.

confined to: limited to.

confinement: the state of being shut in.

confirm: to make sure.

confounded: cursed.

Confound it!: a cry of anger.

consequences: results, (consequent, adj.; consequently, adv.)

considerable effort: no small effort.

constant: remaining unchanged.

consult: 1. to seek the advice of another. 2. to seek information (e.g., from a book.)

consume: to use up.

continually: all the time.

contract: to draw together; to shrink.

contrast: a very noticeable difference, (by contrast with: when compared with)

conversed: talked.

convince: make a person feel sure about something.

corresponding blind: the blind which covered the glass lid.

countless: that cannot be counted.

couple: two.

course (of action): plan of action.

courtier: a person who attends at a king's court.

cover: hide, take shelter.

cowardice: opp. of "bravery".

cowboy: a man in charge of cattle.

crab: a water creature with a hard shell and eight legs.

crane: a machine used for raising heavy things.

crater: the hole in the top of a volcano ( = a mountain that sends out gases and melted metals).

crawl: creep.

creation: the act of creating ( = making) the world.

creditor: a person to whom one owes money.

crescent: figure of the moon in the first or last quarter.

cricket: an outdoor game for 22 players.

crooked: not straight.

crossways: one across the other.

crowbar: a long bar of iron used for breaking stone and moving heavy things.

crude: not well finished, in a rough state.

crumpled: rolled up and pressed in the hand.

crushed in upon: pressed upon with force.

crystal: a hard stone, clear like glass.

cycle v.: ride a bicycle.

cycling adj.: used when riding a bicycle.

cyclone: a strong wind blowing in a circle.

cylinder: roller-shaped body, hollow or solid.

dash n., v.: 1. a sudden quick run. 2. to make such a run.

dawn: the coming of day.

daybreak: sunrise.

dazzling: very bright, (to dazzle: to make a person unable to see by throwing a strong light in his eyes.)

dead end: a closed path.

deafening noise: a very loud noise which makes one unable to hear.

decorated: ornamented.

deliberate: done carefully and on purpose.

delicious: having a nice taste.

deliver a lecture: give a speech.

democratic method: method of government in which the people elect those who govern them.

demonstrating: showing, proving clearly.

denser: thicker.

density: the proportion of mass to size.

depart: to go away.

descend: go down.

deserted: uninhabited, not lived in.

desolate: lonely, uninhabited.

desperately: hopelessly.

despise: think of as worthless.

devoted himself to: gave all his time and attention to.

devouring: eating up quickly.

dewy: covered with dew (= drops of water which form on plants after sunset).

diameter: a straight line passing from one side to the other through the centre of a circle or sphere; the length of such a line.

dignified: appearing worthy of respect.

dim: 1. not clear. 2. not bright. 3. unable to see clearly.

dimly: not clearly.

disagreeable: unpleasant.

disaster: a sudden great misfortune.

disc: a round flat object. (Also spelt Disk.)

dismay: fear, loss of strength and courage through fear.

dismounted: got down from a horse, a carriage, etc.

distinct: clearly seen. (opp. indistinct.)

distress: pain or difficulty.

disturb: to trouble, to cause confusion.

dizzy: having an unpleasant feeling in the head, e.g., after turning round many times.

doorway: a door, an entrance.

dotted with: having (plants, stars) scattered over it.

draught: a stream of air blowing through a place.

draughty: full of draughts or currents of air.

drift: float along slowly.

ducked: moved the body down quickly so as to save the head from a blow.

dwarfed: smaller than the natural size, (a dwarf, n.)

dynamo: a machine which produces electric power.

earthshine: the light reflected from the earth.

earthward: towards the earth.

electric heater: an electric apparatus used for making a place warm.

element: a simple substance of which other substances are made.

emotion: deep feeling.

emerge: come out.

emperor: the ruler of an empire.

engaged: busy.

engine-tenders: those who look after engines.

enormous: very great; very large.

enthusiasm: eagerness.

equal to: able to do.

equipment: things needed for some kind of work, or for a journey.

equipped adj.: prepared.

erect adj.: upright.

erect v.: to build.

equipped ourselves: provided ourselves.

establish: set up firmly.

evaporated: changed into vapour.

evident: clear, easily seen, (evidently, adv.)

evolved: grew slowly from a simple form of life to a higher form.

exaggeration: adding to the true facts.

exceedingly: very.

exclaimed: said in a surprised or loud voice.

expand: become larger.

expanse: a wide stretch of land, water, etc.

expedition: a journey for the purpose of discovery.

exterior: the outside, (opp. interior.)

extinct: dead; no longer active.

extract: a part taken out.

eyed: looked at greedily, or angrily.

fade out: become weaker or less bright; disappear gradually.

fah.: Fahrenheit. (A Fahrenheit thermometer is one with 32 degrees and 212 degrees for freezing and boiling points.)

fail 1. language failed me: I could not express my feelings properly. 2. lest it should fail me: lest there should not be enough of it left.

fast n.: going without food, (to fast, v.)

fatal: causing death or destruction.

fatigue n.: tiredness, (fatigued, fatiguing, adj.)

features of landscape: its important or noticeable parts.

features of the face: its noticeable parts, e.g., the nose, the mouth.

feeble: weak.

fiction: 1. anything which is only imagined, not a fact. 2. a story. 3. the art of writing stories.

fight our way: fight the Selenites and get out.

file: line of people or things one behind another. (In single file: in a line, one behind the other.)

final: coming at the end.

fist: the closed hand.

fix n.: difficulty, (get into a fix: get into a difficult situation.)

flannel: soft woollen cloth.

flannels: clothes made of a soft woollen cloth.

flap: piece of skin, or leather, or cloth, hanging loosely down.

fled: escaped, (pres, tense: flee.)

fleshy: like flesh.

flight: 1. flying. 2. escaping.

flight of steps: a set of stairs.

flung: threw, (pres, tense: fling.)

flung open: opened suddenly.

fluting: sound like that made by a flute ( = a kind of whistle.)

fluttering: moving quickly, like the wings of a bird.

folly: foolishness.

footing: basis, (put the thing on a sounder footing: make better preparations.)

forehead: the front part of the head above.the eyes.

foresee: to see what will happen in the future.

foretold: told what was going to happen.

for instance: for example.

fragment: piece.

French window: a long window that can serve as a door.

fretting: making oneself miserable with regret or discontent.

frost: frozen dew.

frowned: looked puzzled (or angry).

fungi: plural of "fungus".

fungus: a kind of plant which has no green leaves and which gets its food from decayed vegetable matter on which it lives (e.g. mushroom).

furious: very angry, (furiously, adv.)

furnace: a large enclosed fire.

fury: great anger.

fused: joined two or more metals by heating them together.

gallery: long, narrow,-projecting passage.

gaping: looking foolishly without understanding.

garments: clothes.

gasped: took short quick breaths.

gathered: understood.

gaze v., n.: look at for a long time, e.g., with wonder.

gem: a jewel.

generation: all the people of the same time or age.

geometry: a branch of mathematics that measures and compares lines, angles, surfaces and solids, (geometrical, adj.)

gesture: a movement of the arms, hands, etc., to express feelings.

giant adj.: of extraordinary size.

giddy: dizzy, feeling as if one's head wert turning round.

giddy bridge: a bridge causing one to feel dizzy.

gigantic: of huge size, (giant, n.)

glanced: looked quickly.

glare n.: very strong light; bright sunshine.

glass-blowers: those who make glass vessels by blowing.

glimpse: a quick or passing view of anything.

glitter n., v.: 1. bright, unsteady light. 2. to shine with a bright unsteady light, like jewels, (glittering, adj.)

globe: anything shaped like a ball.

glow: 1. shining heat. 2. strong light.

goad: a pointed stick used to drive cattle.

goad-bearer: one carrying a goad.

gong: a flat metal instrument which makes a bell-like sound when struck.

Good heavens!: an exclamation expressing surprise.

grasped their intention: understood what they meant.

grating: a frame of metal bars.

gravitation: the force which pulls objects towards the centre of the earth.

gravity: gravitation.

gripped: seized or held firmly in the hand.

groan n., v.: 1. a low sound of pain. 2. to make such a sound.

groping: feeling for something in the dark with outstretched hands.

groundless: without real cause.

grunt: a noise like that of a pig.

gulf: deep hole.

halo: a circle of light, e.g., round the head of a holy person.

halt: to stop marching.

harsh sound: a sound unpleasant to hear.

hastened our steps: caused us to make haste, made us hurry.

head holes: holes through which the head can be thrust.

headlong: head first.

heartily: with all one's heart.

heavenly body: a star or a planet.

hedge: a row of bushes used as a wall or fence.

heed n., v.: 1. attention. 2. pay attention to.

heel: the back part of the foot.

helium: a very light gas which will not bum.

helmet: a covering for the head, made of metal.

herdsman: a man in charge of cattle.

hind: back, e.g., hind legs.

hiss: to make a sharp sound like the sound of the letter "s"

hither: here, in this direction.

hit on: find, get at.

hive: a place where bees live and store up honey.

hoarse: rough-sounding, e.g., after shouting too much, (went hoarse: became hoarse.)

hollowed out: having empty spaces inside.

horrible: very unpleasant, (horribly, adv.)

horror: strong fear.

howled: gave a long cry, like a dog in the night.

humanity: the human kind, men.

hunt, hunt for: search for.

hurled: threw.

imaginable: that can be imagined.

immeasurable: that cannot be measured, (immeasurably, adv.)

incapable of: unable to.

incident: an event, a happening.

inconvenience: trouble.

incredible: unbelievable.

incredulous: unable to believe, (incredulously, adv.)

indicate: point out.

indifference to: lack of interest in, not caring about.

indistinct: not clear.

ineffectually: uselessly, without effect.

infected with our enthusiasm: our eagerness was passed on to them.

infinite adj.: endless, (infinitely, adv.; the infinite, n.: endless space.)

inhabitant: one who lives in (a city, country).

in high spirits: full of life and happiness.

inhuman: not human; cruel, without human kindness.

injure: to do harm to. (injury, n.: harm, wound.)

injustice: opp. of "justice", (unjust, adj.)

inky: black, very dark.

inquisitive: eager to know other people's business.

insisted: was determined to have his own way.

intelligence: understanding, sense.

intelligent: clever, having plenty of brain power.

intently: with all the mind fixed upon.

intent upon: having all one's mind fixed upon.

intensity: eagerness; sharpness.

intercourse: speaking and dealing with other people.

interior n., adj.: the inside, (opp. exterior.)

interval: a time or space between.

interview: a meeting to talk over something special, (n. and v.)

intoxication: drunkenness, being drunk.

invade: enter with force as an enemy, (invasion, n.)

irritate: to make angry, (irritation, n.; irritable, adj.)

jacket: a short coat.

jar: a bottle or pot with a short neck and a wide mouth.

jerk: make a sudden little movement, (a jerk, n.)

jerky: with sudden starts and stops, (jerkily, adv.)

jestingly: in a joking manner, (jest, n. and v.)

jointed: having joints, i.e., places where the bones are fitted together.

jumped there and then: made up my mind at once.

jungle: thick forest.

keep on with: continue to deal with.

keep up a lie: continue in it.

kettle: a pot with a handle and a pipe, used for boiling water.

kind n.: race, (my kind: men.)

knee-deep: sunk to the knees.

knob: a round mass used as a handle, e.g., of a door, or to turn on and off electric current.

knobs of gold: round masses of gold.

laboratory: a place in which scientists work.

labourer: worker, one who does work requiring little skill.

lamb: the young of a sheep.

lamed: made lame, i.e., having a bad leg and unable to walk properly.

landing n.: a flat place between two sets of stairs.

landscape: 1. a natural scene. 2. a stretch of country.

late: just dead.

lava: liquid thrown out by a volcano which afterwards becomes hard rock.

leaden: like lead in colour.

lean adj.: thin.

leap n., v.; jump.

lecture: a speech given to a class or a group of people on a special subject, (lecturer, n.)

ledge: a narrow shelf sticking out from a wall or rock.

lesser: not so great as the other.

level n.: standard (of intelligence), (on my level: in such a simple way that I could understand.)

Limited; Ltd.: a limited company is one whose share holders cannot lose more than the amount of money which they put into the company.

lined with: covered on the inside with.

liner: a large ship which carries people across the ocean.

link n.: a ring of a chain.

linked: joined, fastened.

listener: one who listens.

litter: a bed used for carrying people about, e.g., for carrying wounded people.

lodge: to live in another's house on payment.

look the entire situation in the face: face the situation boldly.

luggage: the suit-cases and bags of a traveller.

luminous: bright, giving light.

lunar: belonging to the moon.

made of: understood.

make our way: proceed, go forward.

make out: 1. distinguish. 2. understand.

manhole: hole usually with an iron cover through which a man may pass, e.g., to repair underground pipes.

manuscript: a book written by hand

mars: a planet, the fourth in order of distance from the sun.

marsh , a low wet land.

marvel v.: to wonder, (a marvel, n.: a wonderful thing; marvellous, adj.)

mask: a covering or protection for the face.

mass: 1. the quantity of matter which a body contains. 2. a piece of matter.

massacre: a general killing of men, women and children.

mathematician: one skilled in mathematics, i.e., the science of space and numbers.

meddle with: to busy oneself with the concerns of other people.

meditate: to think deeply, (meditation, n.)

mental: having to do with the mind.

mess: a state of disorder.

metallic: made of metal.

might n.: strength, power.

mineral: any material not animal or plant.

miracle: a wonderful event not according to the laws of nature, (miraculous, adj.)

mist: cloud of very fine drops of water in the air.

misty: 1. covered with mist. 2. not clear in form.

misunderstand: understand wrongly.

moist adj.: not dry. (moisten, v.)

moisture n.: 1. dew drops. 2. wetness.

momentary: lasting only for a moment.

monster: a large unnatural animal or plant.

mooncalf: a monster, a large ugly creature.

moonward: towards the moon.

mound: a small hill.

mount: get on to, ride.

mouthful: as much as fills the mouth.

murmured: made a low sound; talked quietly, (murmur, n.)

muscle: that part of the body that causes movement.

muscular adj.: strong, having strong muscles.

mushroom: a white plant used for food, having no flowers or leaves.

nerves: thread-like parts of the body which carry feelings to the brain, or messages from it to the limbs.

nevertheless: although that is true, yet ...

news-bearers: those who carry or announce news.

nightmare: a terrible dream.

night-shirt: a long shirt for sleeping in.

nitrogen: a colourless gas found in the air and very necessary to the life of plants.

nostrils: the two openings of the nose.

object n.: aim or purpose.

observatory: place from which scientists watch the stars.

obstacles: something which stands in the way and prevents action or movement.

obstinate: not giving up an opinion, unwilling to obey.

occupants: those who occupy a place, the persons in it.

occupation: employment.

occupied (My mind is much occupied): busy.

occupied the cellar: filled it.

occurred: 1. happened. 2. it occurred to me: the idea came to my mind.

odd: strange.

oddest: most peculiar.

of your own free will: without being forced.

olive adj.; of the colour of olives, a bitter-tasting fruit which is used for food, also for its oil.

on account of: because of, as a result of.

on all fours: on the hands and knees.

open-mouthed: very surprised.

operate: to work, to cause to work.

oppressed by the idea: the idea kept occurring to me and troubling me.

orderly: well arranged.

outfitter: one who sells all the things necessary for a certain purpose, e.g., a journey or voyage.

overgrown with: covered with a growth of.

overtake: to come upon.

oxygen: the gas necessary for all animal life.

pace n., v.: step.

palm of the hand: the flat inside of the hand.

panted: 1. breathed quickly. 2. said breathlessly.

parallel (lines): straight lines running side by side yet never meeting.

particle: a very small piece of matter.

particulars: information about some points.

passing the mind of man: too great for the mind of man to understand.

pasture: grass land for cattle.

patted: touched lightly with the flat hand.

peak: the pointed top of a rock or hill.

pear-shaped: shaped like a pear, a fruit.

peered: looked closely.

perceived: noticed, observed, saw.

perish: die.

perplexed: puzzled, unable to understand.

persistence: continuing firmly or obstinately in his opinion, or in a course of action.

physical: 1. bodily. 2. having to do with the natural world.

physics: the study of matter and the forces of the natural world, e.g., heat, light, sound, electricity.

pinched my heart: gave me a sharp pain.

pink: light red.

piping tones: sharp, piercing sounds.

pit: a deep hole in the ground, e.g., coal-pit.

pitiless: without pity, cruel.

placed: put.

planet: a world, such as the earth or Mars, going round the sun.

plank: a long, narrow, flat board.

plucked: pulled off, e.g., a flower.

plunged ... into: went suddenly into.

populous: having many people in it.

powers: the powerful countries in the world.

practical joke: trick played on a person in order to laugh at his expense.

practically: almost.

practice , in practice: in action.

precaution: care taken to prevent anything from happening.

precise: exact, (precision, n.; precisely, adv.)

presently: soon, after a short time.

press me: keep asking me.

presume: suppose.

pretty adv.: fairly, moderately.

prey upon: kill and eat.

prick: to stick a sharp-pointed instrument into.

principle: 1. general truth or law at the bottom of other laws. 2. idea according to which one guides one's life.

proceeded from: came from.

proceed with: carry on (work).

process: series of changes.

professor: a teacher in a university.

project n.: a plan.

project v.: stand out, stick out.

proportion: relation of one thing compared to another.

protest n.: objection, (protest, v.: object.)

provisions: food.

prowl: to wander about like an animal seeking to kill.

publisher: one who prints and sells books or newspapers.

pursued: ran after and tried to catch.

pursuit: noun from "pursue".

quarter, third quarter: the third week in the lunar month. (lunar: belonging to the moon.)

queer: unusual, (queerest: most unusual.)

radiant energy: energy such as light or heat which spreads from a central point.

radiate: 1. spread from a central point. 2. send out rays of light or heat.

radiation: sending out rays of light or heat.

rage: great anger, (to enrage, v.)

rags: torn clothes, (ragged, adj.)

ran entirely on: thought of nothing but.

range: a line or series of mountains.

rash: foolishly daring.

readily: willingly.

reasoning: considering facts and getting some meaning or result from them.

reassuringly: in such a way as to remove one's fears.

recall: call back.

reckless: careless about the results.

reconstruct: build again.

record: a fact or account put down in writing, (to record, v.)

recording instrument: an instrument which records electric waves.

reflected: thought, (reflection, n.)

refraction: the bending of a beam of light, (refract, v.)

regarded: 1. looked at. 2. considered.

region: a part of the country.

relax: to become less stiff.

releasing: setting free.

relief: the lessening of pain or trouble, (to relieve, v.)

remarkable: worthy of notice.

remove: take away.

report of a gun: sound caused by firing it.

required: needed.

research: a scientific study in order to discover new facts.

resemble: look like.

resolutely: in a determined way.

resolve n.: determination, (to resolve, v.)

restful: giving rest.

restore: bring back to its former condition.

resume: begin again.

retained: kept.

retreated: went back.

reveal: 1. show. 2. tell a secret.

revolution: a sudden change of government.

ridiculous: silly, laughable.

rocket: a stick shot into the air which lets out stars of coloured flame when it gets high up.

rocking: moving from side to side.

roller blind: a blind that can be rolled up.

rooted to the spot: unable to move.

rouse: 1. wake up. 2. drive to action.

route: road, way.

rustling: making a noise as of dead leaves.

satellite: a small planet moving round a larger one.

savagery: wildness, (savage, adj.)

scarcely: hardly.

scared-looking: frightened-looking.

scorched: burnt.

scrape: cut off the surface.

scraped me off: took me off the lid.

screamed: gave a loud cry, e.g., of pain.

sea-front: the side of the land which looks towards the sea.

sealed: tightly closed.

searchlight: an electric lamp throwing a very powerful beam of light.

see the business through: help to finish it.

Selenite: a supposed inhabitant of the moon.

self-conscious: feeling that one is being looked at and talked about all the time.

semicircle: half a circle.

se'nd on'y to the 'tato: this fleshy plant you have discovered is very good food; only potatoes are better than it.

sensations: feelings.

series: a number of things coming one after another.

set eyes on: see.

sexes: the males and females.

sexless: neither male nor female.

shabby: badly dressed, (shabby clothes: clothes which have been much worn.)

shaft: a pit, a deep hole in the ground leading to a mine.

shake off: get rid of.

shell: the hard outside covering of an egg, fruit, etc.

shivered: shook with cold or fear.

shrank: 1. became smaller. 2. drew back from a dangerous or unpleasant thing, (shrink, pres.)

shriek n., v.: a loud cry of terror or pain; to utter such a cry.

shrub: a low bush.

shrugged his shoulders: drew them up, meaning "I don't care".

shrunken: adj. from "shrink", that has become smaller.

shutter: wooden covering for a window.

siege: keeping an army round a town and attacking it in order to take it. (besiege, v.)

sighing (of wind): a sound like the deep breath we make when we are sad. (sigh, v., n.)

similar: alike, (similarity, n.)

sketch n.: a rough unfinished drawing.

sketch v.: to draw a plan.

skull: the bones of the head.

slender: long and thin.

slip off: take quickly off.

slipped my wrist out: freed it smoothly and quickly.

slot: a long narrow hole.

smash: break to pieces, (a smash, n.: a serious accident.)

smashed one another: injured one another.

smoothed out: made smooth.

snatched: seized suddenly and without asking.

sniffed at: smelt noisily.

snowflake: small, light, feathery mass of snow.

sobered: made sober, i.e., not drunk.

soda, soda water: water filled with gas, used as a pleasant drink.

soften towards: become less hard on.

solar system: the sun and the planets which go round it.

solitary: lonely.

sounder: safer, better.

source: origin, the place from which anything comes.

space of time: a length of time.

spear: a long stick with a metal point fixed to it, used as a weapon.

spectacles: glasses worn in front of the eyes to correct the eyesight, or to protect the eyes from the sun.

sphere: a ball.

spiked: having spikes, i.e., sharp-pointed nails.

spiral adj., n.: going round and round and up and up, like a screw.

spirits: mood. (In high spirits: full of life and happiness. My spirits rose: I felt more cheerful.)

splash: 1. noise made by something falling into water. 2. water or mud thrown out by object falling in.

splashed: flew about in scattered pieces, or in drops.

splendour: great or dazzling brightness.

sponge: a sea animal with many holes in its body-wall; the framework of such an animal which takes in water and lets it out when pressed.

sponginess: the condition of being spongy, i e., full of holes.

spray n.: a liquid forced out of a pipe into very small drops.

spray v.: to direct a stream of small drops of liquid upon.

stab v.: to wound with a pointed weapon, (a stab, n.)

stab of emotion: a painful, deep feeling.

stable: a place in which horses or cattle are kept.

staggered: stood or walked unsteadily.

staking: risking, (at stake: in danger of being lost.)

stand: bear.

stare: look steadily at with wide-open eyes.

start n.: a little jump, (started: moved suddenly.)

startled: surprised and frightened.

starve: die of hunger; suffer from lack of food, (starvation, n.)

stealthily: in such a way as not to be noticed, secretly.

steaming: sending up vapour or steam.

stillness: quiet.

stir: noise caused by movement, (stirred: moved.)

stirred myself: roused myself.

stone: a weight of 14 pounds.

stooped: bent the body forward and down.

stopped dead: stopped suddenly and completely.

stout: fat. (stoutness, n.)

straightforward: clear, presenting no difficulty.

stress n.: weight given to a part of a word, or to a word in a sentence. (to stress, v.)

strides: steps.

strikingly: in a surprising or unusual manner.

strode on: took long steps, (pres, tense: stride.)

struck out: directed our course.

structure: the way in which a thing is built up, its inner form.

studs: knobs, electric buttons.

stuffed my mouth full: filled my mouth.

stuffy: lacking fresh air.

stumbled: took a wrong step and fell forward.

stung: caused a sharp pain. (pres, tense: sting.)

stunned: made senseless by a blow on the head.

suggested: offered an idea.

suicide: the act of killing oneself.

suit-case: a light travelling-box for clothes.

summary: a short account of the ideas of a book, etc.

sun-blaze: very bright sunlight.

sunlit: lighted by the sun.

surgery: cutting aWay diseased parts of the body, (surgeon; a doctor who does this.)

surplus: an amount above what is needed.

surrendered: yielded.

surveyed: looked at carefully.

survivor: one who continues to live after others, (to survive, v.)

swiftly: quickly, (swift, adj.)

taken up (my mind was taken up): occupied.

take our chance: let things go as they may.

take that line: follow that course.

take us for: think we are.

tangent: a straight line touching a curve at one point.

tangle: disorderly mass of threads, string, bushes, etc.

tank: a metal container for gas or liquid.

'tato: potato.

technical: having to do with some special art or science.

tedious: tiring ana uninteresting.

telescope: an instrument used for seeing distant objects.

temporarily: for a short time, (temporary, adj.: lasting only for a time.)

tentacle: a long easily bent limb with no bone in it.

terms: special words used by lawyers, doctors, scientists, etc.

terrific: causing terror, terrible.

terrified: frightened greatly.

terror: great fear.

theoretical: adj. from "theory", (working on purely theoretical grounds: concerned with ideas only, and not thinking of their practical use.)

theory: a general idea put forward to explain a certain set of facts.

thermometer: an instrument for measuring heat.

thick-set: heavily built.

thinning out: becoming thinner and thinner.

thins the population: reduces it.

throne: the seat of a king.

thrust: push suddenly and with force.

tied me hand and foot: bound me completely.

tight shut: closely shut.

tiny: very small.

to and fro: forward and back again.

toast: pieces of bread made brown and hard on the surface by being held in front of a fire.

toast-rack: a stand for holding flat pieces of toast at table.

tolerably: moderately; agreeably.

tone: sound.

took no thought of: did not think about.

topic: subject.

trace n.: track or mark left by something which has passed.

trace v. (trace it in the air): draw.

train of thought: a number of thoughts joined together and following one after another.

transferred: moved from one place to another.

transmit: to send across.

transmitter: an instrument for sending wireless signals.

transparent: which can be seen through, e.g., glass.

tremendous: great, (tremendously: very.)

trench: long deep hole dug in the ground.

trickle, trickle: the sound made by a thin stream.

trifle with: treat carelessly, handle carelessly; amuse oneself with.

trivial: unimportant, (also trifling.)

tropics: the hot part of the earth, (tropical, adj.)

trousers: a two-legged outer garment reaching from the waist to the ankles or knees.

truck: a low cart used on the road or on a railway line for heavy goods.

trumpet: a brass musical instrument played with the mouth.

trumpet-faced: having a face like a trumpet.

trunk: the long nose of an elephant.

tunnel: an underground passage.

twilight: half-light just before and after sunset.

twitter: to make a sound like a bird singing.

type: kind.

unaffected: not affected.

unaware: not knowing.

uncontrollable: that cannot be controlled.

uncork: to pull the cork out of a bottle, (a cork: a round piece of bark, used to close the mouth of a bottle.)

understanding n.: agreement.

undervalue: to value a thing below what it is really worth.

unheeded: not noticed, not attended to.

universe: 1. all the suns, stars, planets, etc. 2. the world.

unlit: not lighted, dark.

unscrew: to unfasten.

unshaven: not shaved, having a beard.

untrodden: not trodden upon, not walked on.

unworthy: undeserving of honour.

up and after us: armed and chasing us.

uproar: violent disturbance, loud noise.

usher: an officer who introduces strangers or walks before a person of rank.

utter adj.: complete, (utterly, adv.)

utter v: to say, or make a sound with the mouth.

vacant: empty.

vague: not clear, (vaguely, adv.)

valve: a part of a machine which allows gas or liquid to flow through it when opened.

vanish: disappear.

vapour: the gas into which most liquids and solids can be changed by heat.

varied: made different.

vast: immense, huge, very great.

veined: having veins, (veins: lines of a different mineral through a rock.)

ventilate: to cause fresh air to flow through a room, (ventilation, n.)

verandah: a covered open place outside the windows of a house.

vertical: standing upright.

vest: an under garment worn on the upper part of the body next to the skin.

vibrate: to shake like the string of a musical instrument, (vibration, n.)

vigorously: with energy, (vigour, n.: strength and energy.)

visible: that can be seen. (opp. invisible; visibly, adv.)

vividness: clearness, (vivid, adj.)

void n.: empty space.

volcano: a mountain with a deep hole in the top through which gases and melted metals are expelled.

want n.: lack.

waste n.: unused land, (also, adj.)

waterfall: water falling straight down over a rock.

weary: tired, in need of rest.

went our ways: each of us went his own way.

Whajer mean?: What do you mean?

What are we after?: What are we seeking?

What on earth?: a strong form of "What?"

wheeling: pushing along.

whirl n.: a quick turning round, a spinning.

whirled about: turned round and round quickly.

whisky: a strong drink obtained from grain.

white-hot: heated until it became white.

white-washed: painted with a mixture of water and lime.

Why on earth?: a strong form of "Why?"

wild: not seeming real.

wilderness: desert.

window-pane: the glass of a window.

wiry: thin and having strong muscles.

withdraw: go back.

work-shed: a wooden hut for working in.

wrinkled: having small folds on the surface.

X-rays: a form of electric light able to pass through solid things.

yawning: opening the mouth wide, as a sign of being tired sleepy.

yelled: gave a loud shout